Nikon released the Nikon D4, a Nikon FX-format camera
that serves as the new flagship model in Nikon's lineup
of digital-SLR cameras.

The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS
image sensor (imaging size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm) and
EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine
specifically optimized for digital-SLR cameras. It has
an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and
promises to offer superior image quality under a broad
range of lighting conditions with its image sensor
supporting a wide range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to
ISO 204800.

The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB
sensor supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System,
which is able to recognize human faces even when images
are framed using the optical viewfinder. In addition,
the Advanced Scene Recognition System offers
improvements in AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, and auto
white balance (AWB) control accuracy. The 51 focus
point AF system has been improved with faster
initiation of autofocusing and the ability to detect
and focus on subjects with less lighting. In addition,
11 focus points are fully functional when lenses with a
maximum aperture of f/8 are used. All of this means
more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR
lenses are used with teleconverters (2.0x). The
Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie movie recording
function is capable of recording full-HD movies at 30
fps, and offers three movie recording formats.

What's more, the D4 records images to memory cards
faster with built-in support for high-speed, UDMA
7-compatible CompactFlash memory cards and
next-generation, high-speed XQD memory cards. In
addition to built-in wired LAN features, the D4 also
supports high-speed image transfer via wireless LAN
when the new, compact, easy-to-use Wireless Transmitter
WT-5 is connected to the camera. The D4 is also
equipped with a number of new functions that support a
more efficient workflow for professional photographers,
including one that allows users to add IPTC
(International Press Telecommunications Council)
information to images.

Other D4 functions and features

- Durable shutter that has passed testing for 400,000
cycles
- Magnesium alloy adopted for the very strong body that
is very resistant to dust and water
- Effective sealing using O rings and packing make the
camera more resistant to dust and water
- Silent shutter-release mode for live view
photography that almost completely eliminates the
sounds of the mirror and shutter operation
- A time-lapse photography feature, with which the
camera automatically takes photos at selected intervals
to record a time-lapse movie, which can be played back
at 24?36,000x normal playback speed
- Operation optimized for both horizontal (landscape)
and vertical (portrait) shooting
- Button backlights (illuminators) for increased
visibility when working in dimly lit or dark situations
- High-performance viewfinder, utilizing a glass
pentaprism, with a frame coverage of approximately 100%
(FX format) and magnification of approximately 0.7x
- Four image area options for still shooting - FX (36 x
24), 5:4 (30 x 24), 1.2x (30 x 20), DX (24 x 16) - with
viewfinder indicator that identifies the current image
area
- A 3.2-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with
reinforced glass and wide viewing angle; integration of
the glass and panel reduce internal reflections
- A virtual horizon that shows the degree to which the
camera is tilted sideways (roll), forward or backward
(pitch) with display in the monitor and viewfinder
- White balance that can be adjusted in units of 10 K;
white balance can be specified separately for shooting
(white balance applied to images) and monitor display
with still-image shooting in live view mode
- Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3 for significantly faster
processing

The camera will launch in late February 2012 and will sell for about $6,000.

When Pv button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (P and S modes)

Lens aperture

Instant return, electronically controlled

Lens

Compatible lenses

Compatible
with AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G and D lenses (some restrictions
apply to PC-NIKKOR lenses), DX lenses [using DX (24x16) image area],
AI-P NIKKOR lenses, and non-CPU AI lenses (exposure modes A and M only);
IX-NIKKOR lenses, lenses for the F3AF, and non-AI lenses cannot be used
The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum
aperture of f/5.6 or faster (the electronic rangefinder supports the 11
focus points with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/8 or faster)

Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of
frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting
can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12-mm
circle or average of entire frame)